NEPZA to establish six Free Trade Zones, medical tourism–MD

By Dada Ahmed

Abuja

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), says it plans to establish six additional Free Trade Zones (FTZ) in the country.

Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, the Managing Director of the Authority, disclosed this when he spoke with newsmen in Abuja.

According to him,the Free Trade Zones will be located in Benue, Ebonyi, Funtua, Gombe, Kwara and Lagos.

He said that the proposed TFZ, when operatiional, will compliment the existing government Free Zones in Calabar and Kano as well as others belonging to the private sector, with the aim of developing the nation’s economy.

Adesugba added that the Zones would ensure job creation, poverty reduction, reduce youth restiveness and enhance the country’s industrialization breakthrough.

The managing director revealed that Free Zones contributed more than $27 billionaire to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product,Grosd Domedtic Product(GDP).

The managing director reiterated the commitment and contribution of the Authority toward realizing President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration agenda in the area of national economic development.

He, therefore,urged State Governments to key into various Special Economic Free Zones of NEPZA toward fast-tracking economic growth and employment generation for the teeming populace at the grassroots.

While expressing concern on billions of dollars being wasted on medical tourism, Prof Adesugba explained that NEPZA was also working toward establishing Medical Tourism Free Zone next year as part of strategies to discourage Nigerians from traveling abroad for medical treatment.

He added that the move would also go a long way to contribute to the growth of the nation’s health sector.